Posts in category "Society, Politics and Religion"
Lessons of Violence from a Criminal Defense Lawyer
I have the opportunity to talk with Mayor Bill Bell about his idea to reduce gun violence by setting bonds in gun cases to $300,000. Last week we had two homicides in three days. Mayor Bell wants to send a clear message to perpetrators of violence that we are serious about ending violence. I applaud Mayor Bell for keeping this issue on the forefront of our minds; but, I disagree with his approach. This opportunity to talk about violence in Durham has required me to try to articulate some of the lessons I have learned about violence in Durham.
The Lessons … read more »
Increasing Bonds? The Solution to Gun Violence? Really?
I’ve read recently that Durham Mayor Bill Bell and Durham County Commissioners Chairman Michael Page both support increasing bonds for people charged with gun violence as a way to reduce violence in Durham. These recurring suggestions that “getting tough on crime” and increasing punishment will deter crime are out of touch with the causes of crime in our community. Political leaders serious about reducing crime should be talking about living wage jobs programs, counseling, education, training, and intensive mentorship programs. Our local “criminals” are mostly kids who have been abandoned by their families and by our community. They have been … read more »
A Review of “Living Without Enemies: Being Present in the Midst of Violence”
By Samuel Wells and Marcia Owen
Reviewed by Scott Holmes
In this beautiful little book, my friend Marcia Owen shares her way of making peace in our community. Marcia is the executive director of the Religious Coalition for a Nonviolent Durham. (http://www.nonviolentdurham.org/) She has helped organize “Faith Teams” in local faith communities to support people returning to our community from prison. She has helped form one such Faith Team in our Meeting. She also organizes vigils in the community to commemorate, honor, and hold the suffering of families who have lost loved ones to gun violence. This is a unique book about … read more »
The Ethics of Mudslinging in Court – What is Next for Durham Courts?
I have received a lot of support for my last blog asking Tracey Cline to resign, and appreciate that support. Since then, I have been weighing the serious allegations of ethical misconduct that have been lodged against Ms. Cline. In this blog I take a closer look at the ethical ramifications of making false statements in filings, failing to notify opposing parties of motions, and making false statements against a judge which impugn the integrity or qualifications of that judge. And I look at what may be next for our Courts.
False Filings and Going Behind Someone’s Back
Ms. Cline has been … read more »
“Please make it Stop” – The Judicial Meltdown in Durham
“Please make it stop.” These were the words going through my head as I heard District Attorney Tracey Cline explaining to Judge Carl Fox why she had filed a motion to have Judge Hudson removed from criminal cases in Durham. She is not making sense. She is incoherent, unprepared, and embarrassing herself. She tried to argue cases she had not read, and the cameras were rolling. I have known Ms. Cline for years, and have tried cases with her since 1998. I have known her as a prosecutor who cares deeply for the victims of crime and who works hard … read more »
The Possibilities of Forgiveness and Reconciliation
When a mother loses her son, when he is shot and killed, it is natural to assume there is nothing but anger, hatred, and revenge in her heart. When a sister loses her dear brother, the source of joy and humor in her life, it is natural to assume she feels only ill will toward the person who took her brother from her. In my work defending people charged with murder, I have witnessed miraculous moments of forgiveness and reconciliation. I have received expressions of love and grace from these most unexpected messengers of hope.
When I litigate murder cases, I … read more »
Sentencing in a Murder case: Softball and Smiles
For two weeks we all sat in the same room hearing about the death of two young men, the shootings of two others, a robbery and a pistol whipping. The families of people shot and killed sat right next to the family of the person accused of the shootings. Jurors sat and listened and took notes. These people, who work on computers, at Wendy’s, these doctoral students, and sports editors, suspended their lives for a while and listened carefully to tragedy. I defended the person accused, and argued and argued and argued with the prosecutor. We all struggled with what … read more »
Integrity: Beyond Telling the Truth
As a Quaker, I practice historic testimonies for peace and simplicity. In addition to the Quaker testimonies for peace and simplicity, there is the testimony of integrity. Historically this testimony was expressed as a fierce determination to tell the truth, and a refusal to take oaths as a witness that there is only one standard of truth that must be maintained at all times. Quakers developed a reputation for being truthful and being fair in their business dealings. They also developed a reputation for being rude and abrasive, for refusing to participate in meaningless small talk, to participate … read more »
Civil Rights Work: Breaking Walls and Building Bridges
I have represented female police officers fighting for equal treatment at work, gay and lesbian victims of hate crimes, an African American family chased at gun point by a member of the KKK, persons with mental health problems arrested and tasered without cause, people who are stopped, harassed, and arrested because of their race. The work of a civil rights lawyer often seems to focus on breaking down walls in our society that perpetuate inequality and oppression. Privilege and power constantly builds these walls on the basis of race, class, gender, sexual oreintation, disability, and age. It is … read more »
My Spiritual Path as a Trial Lawyer
The spiritual opportunities that arise as I work as a trial lawyer have not always been clear to me, and they continue to unfold before me as I zigzag across the path of my calling.
Matthew 25:35 speaks to this calling:
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer … read more »
